Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

DF Section, Special Operations Executive (SOE), British Government

Awarded on:

November 15th, 1945

Citation:
"This officer was infiltrated into France via Spain at the beginning of June 1944 to extend the facilities of an existing escape organisation so as to enable it to function from Brussels to Spain.

His health was poor and he suffered considerable difficulty in crossing the frontier. It was entirely due to his own resources and initiative that he made contact with the group who were to send him to Paris. On his arrival in Paris, he immediately took control of the circuit and, despite the short time at his disposal, was instrumental in arranging the safe custody and feeding of fifty Allied airmen until they were handed over to the Allies after the liberation of that city.

Shortly after his arrival in Paris, a second in command of the circuit disappeared. Lieut. Jeschke thereupon collected, at considerable risk to himself, the wireless set belonging to the organisation. On the approach of Allies, he left Paris to go north to arrange another organisation from Belgium. He left by motor cycle on the 19 August, travelling as a German, and during the journey he became involved in fighting between the Maquis and the Germans.
Undeterred by the extreme danger in which he found himself from German controls and, although questioned by these controls, he bluffed his way through, arriving in Belgium on 22 August. He remained in Belgium two weeks and showed remarkable initiative, energy and courage under most adverse circumstances by building up a successful organisation.

In recognition of the excellent services rendered by this officer, his courage, resourcefulness and devotion to duty, it is recommended that he be Mentioned in Desptaches."

Signed
Colin Gubbins
Major-General
14.6.45.